Page 11 of Security Breach

Dismayed, she laid a hand on his forearm. “I’m sorry.”

“Totally worth the loss of sleep to have you back in my life.”

When their order was ready, David handed Emma the scone and tea. “Try to eat a little. Your body needs the fuel to keep going even if you’re not hungry.”

Although skeptical that she’d be able to comply, she unwrapped the scone and took a small bite. “Mmm. Cranberry and orange. This is wonderful.”

“Try the tea. Hopefully, the warm liquid will soothe your stomach.”

By the time they were on the interstate and heading toward home, David had polished off the sandwich.

Emma sipped her tea and took small bites of the scone until she couldn’t handle any more of the breakfast bread and returned it to the bag to hold for later. Instead, she concentrated on her tea and keeping watch for trouble as they drove. Not that she’d be able to help if the Butcher came after them now. Her gun was at the FBI field office. Besides, of the two of them, David was unquestionably the better shot.

“Relax,” he murmured. “Take a nap if you can.”

“I want to help you keep watch.”

“You’re exhausted, Em. If there’s trouble, I’ll wake you.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’ve got this. Rest while you have the chance.”

“Wake me if you become too sleepy to drive.”

“Sure.”

Despite his agreement, Emma knew he wouldn’t disturb her unless he had no choice. Although she doubted her ability to sleep while still on the run, she settled back in her seat and closed her eyes. Seconds later, a warm masculine hand wrapped around hers. “Thank you for coming to get me,” she murmured.

“My pleasure, baby. Sleep now.”

By minute degrees, tension dissipated in Emma’s muscles. Between the security of being with David and no sign of a tail, she slipped into a dreamless sleep.

CHAPTER FIVE

David remained vigilant as he drove. He occasionally stole glances at the woman slumped in the seat next to him. He couldn’t believe that she was alive and here with him. Even though trouble dogged her, he’d take her and the trouble over the long days and nights when he ached from her absence. Her loss had left a gaping hole in his life. Now, he felt whole again.

As the miles passed, he formulated different approaches to her problem, sifting through options and discarding those deemed too risky for the moment. The riskier options might be the only choice down the road. For now, he’d wait and watch.

One thing he did know. The Butcher would regret the day he’d laid his hands on Emma. David would see to that. If he had to turn in his badge to get the job done, he’d hand it over without hesitation. As of two months ago, he had another career option open to him, one that intrigued him.

Halfway home, Emma jerked, moaning as tears trickled down her cheeks. “No. Please, don’t hurt me.”

Was she remembering the Butcher’s attack on her and her family? Unable to leave her in a dream world where she felt threatened, David squeezed her hand, then brushed his thumb along the underside of her wrist. “You’re safe, Em,” he murmured. “I’m here.”

She sighed. “David.”

“I’ve got you, baby.”

“Missed you.” Emma shifted until her head rested against his upper arm, then she quieted again.

His heart turned over in his chest at her words, glad the feelings growing between them before the death of her family had survived the long months of separation.

David wondered about the men in the town where she’d been living. How had they let this woman slip through their fingers? Their loss was his gain. She was back in his life, and he wasn’t giving her up.

When they were close to the Morgan County line, David called Elliot. “We’re twenty miles out,” he said when his brother answered.

“We’re ready. Owen and Caleb are waiting at the five-mile mark to escort you in. Any sign of trouble?”

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